Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Group Offenses
Illegal possession of firearms requires proof of license absence; expired licenses and unlawful seizures may lead to acquittal.
Media Confessions and Treachery: Examining the Admissibility of TV Broadcasts in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court treated a TV confession in a murder case, and the rules on treachery, unlicensed firearms, and damages.
When Courts Can Overturn the Justice Secretary in Firearm Cases: Due Process Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—set aside the Justice Secretary's ruling in illegal possession of firearms cases.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Law: The Ricafranca Case on Unlicensed Firearms
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and the effect of R.A. 8294 on murder committed with unlicensed firearms.
High-Powered vs Low-Powered Firearms: Navigating Illegal Possession Laws in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts classify firearms as high-powered or low-powered for illegal possession penalties under R.A. 8294.
Unlicensed Firearm in Homicide: How Philippine Law Treats Illegal Gun Use in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how R.A. 8294 changed the treatment of unlicensed firearms used in murder cases.
Unlicensed Firearm in Philippine Murder Cases: Understanding Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unlicensed firearms affect murder charges, from separate offense to aggravating circumstance under RA 8294.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities and Liabilities for Lost Court Exhibits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for lost firearms exhibits and the duty to turnover evidence after cases end.
Illegal Possession of Firearms in the Philippines: Penalties and Retroactive Laws
Learn how the Supreme Court applied a new, lighter penalty for illegal firearm possession retroactively, and what this means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Evidence Rules in Illegal Firearm Cases: Why Conviction Requires Proof of No License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal possession of firearms explains why prosecutors must prove lack of license beyond reasonable doubt.